Zocalo: A Diamond Amidst the Rubble of the Ithaca Mall

Many Cornell students probably just know the Ithaca Mall for Target and maybe the Regal Cinema movie theater. Only the brave few wander into the underdeveloped center of the mall where dark, vacated stores outnumber thriving ones by a great magnitude. The food court is no exception. In the center of the mall, in a space that should be the beating heart of the mall’s lifeline, lies the grubby and dimly lit remnants of a once popular food court. All that remains now is a Sicilian Delight pizza joint, a Subway and an Auntie Annes, the latter of which only serves food that is best considered a snack. However, despite the darkness and dinginess of the mall, to the right of the abyss of the foodcourt lies a warmly lit establishment, a promising beacon of hope: Zocalo.

Experiencing Ithaca Farmers Market: The Ultimate Spring Season Guide

The produce is some of the best in the region, but what truly makes Ithaca Farmers Market shine is the abundance of incredible food vendors, each which feature deliciously unconventional cuisines from around the globe. Nearly all of the stalls advertise tasty vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options to satisfy every preference and diet. The vast array of choices is a welcomed sensory overload, so upon arrival, make your rounds through the pavilion to take it all in, snatching some free samples of local cheeses, fruits, honey, cured meats and pestos along the way.